Galbi Korean BBQ Short Ribs

Ingredients:

  • 4 pounds cross-cut beef short ribs (galbi cut)
  • 1/2 Korean/Asian pear (or 1 kiwi)
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 medium white onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Green onion for garnish

Instructions:

For the Ribs:

  1. Rinse the ribs to remove bone dust and surface blood. Drain well.
  2. Lightly pound the meat with a tenderizer for extra tenderness (optional).

For the Marinade:

  1. Blend the pear (or kiwi) with the onion, garlic, and ginger in a blender.
  2. Mix all marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Coat each rib with the marinade and let sit for 6-8 hours (overnight for best results). Flip halfway through.

Cooking the Ribs:

  • Grilling: Preheat grill over medium-high heat. Grill ribs for 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Broiling: Set oven to broil. Lay ribs in a single layer on a broiling pan and place 6 inches from the broiler. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flip, then cook an additional 3-4 minutes.
  • Pan-Frying: Preheat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook ribs in a single layer for 4-5 minutes per side, adding strained marinade as needed.

Korean Beef Bulgogi

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb top sirloin steak, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 Korean pear (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

Prepare the Beef:

  1. If not pre-sliced, freeze beef for 30 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain.

Make the Marinade:

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, grated pear, grated onion, garlic, ginger, mirin, sesame oil, and black pepper.
  2. Add the sliced beef and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).

Cook the Bulgogi:

  • Grill: Cook over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side until browned.
  • Stir-fry: Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add oil, and stir-fry beef until cooked through (about 4-5 minutes).

Serve:

  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
  • Serve with steamed rice, lettuce wraps, and side dishes.

Enjoy these traditional Korean BBQ dishes bursting with rich flavors!